The Olney Duck and Raft Race took place on Sunday 7th July. We enjoyed fantastic weather, with the sun shining and temperatures in the high 20s. On the day, over 1 400 ducks were launched by the Scouts and an impressive total of 20
in the junior category and new entrants
at Wimbledon, we had a great turnout to
support this annual event in Olney and a
only to promptly sink! The £50 team prizes
good number of helpers to ensure it all went
were fiercely fought for, and the cups and
smoothly and safely, and make it a special event for the town to remember.
It was great to see new Raft Race competitors this year, and some have already committed to joining in again next time. Some raft racers were local sports teams, others were promoting their businesses, others were doing it as a team building exercise, and the event was represented by all ages.
medals proudly presented on the Olney playing fields.
Thanks go to the RNLI for supporting this event, Michael Graham for advertising it, the Fire Brigade for competing in the race and showing the local children onboard the fire engine, Saints Divers for the river safety, and all the other stall holders and supporters who made the day such a success.
"Carlton Goes Congo" being judged the
most entertaining raft. The competitors
 rafts took part in the Raft Race, a record in
team loved it!!" and "It was a great day as ever. Really enjoyed it. Great to see so many teams competing and so many there to suppo ".
recent years.
The atmosphere at the finish was full of fun,
Despite the competition from Andy Murray
including a raft that just made it to the end,
enjoyed the event too, with comments
including "Huge success on Sunday, our
 The Raft Race itself was closely fought,
We will be back again next year, so as soon
with the Olney Runners male and female
as we know the date we will let you know so
teams taking first place in their respective
that you can postpone your holiday plans
categories, "Team Bob" taking first place
until later in July!
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 Phonebox Magazine 61